After a lot of calling and looking around they found Celebi. It was still weak and had collapsed near a pond and was surrounded by concerned Pokémon. Some Serena recognised as Ash's Pokémon. She spotted his Noctowl, Gible and Sceptile. Tracey rushed to Celebi and scooped it up into his arms. He rushed it back to the lab to be treated. Serena gave a sigh of relief and watched the Pokémon disperse.
Two hours later Celebi had recovered a lot of its strength and Tracey was starting to relax, relieved that the Pokémon was going to be fine. There was a knock at the door and Tracey left Serena to watch over Celebi. Tracey opened the door carefully and was glad to meet his old friend Misty. She had her fiery shoulder length hair tied back into a ponytail and wore her usual solemn scowl. She had been the same ever since the accident. "Hey Misty, you won't believe what's happened," Tracey greeted her. Misty raised an eyebrow, curious. "Serena's back," Tracey whispered excitedly. Misty had never met Serena but she was well aware of who she was. Misty's eyes widened and she pushed past Tracey and ran to the lab and saw Serena watching over a weakened Celebi. For a moment Misty just stared at this girl. This was the girl that had started the nightmare all those years ago. Serena felt Misty's gaze and turned around. "Oh, hello," Serena greeted Misty with a start. Serena got up and offered her hand in greeting. Misty didn't take it. She was too shocked to be meeting Serena. Tracey cleared his throat behind Misty, waking her from her trance and Misty took Serena's hand after an awkward moment.
Just at that moment, the window smashed open and a robotic hand grabbed Celebi and retracted itself. Serena and Misty ran to the window immediately and saw a couple of people running as fast as possible away with Celebi in a strange glowing box. Misty jumped through the window careful not to cut herself on the glass and Serena ran through the building and out of the back door. There was an explosion and a cry of anger. By the time Serena and a little afterwards Tracey caught up to Misty, the thieves were long gone. Misty growled furiously and Tracey put a hand on Misty's shoulder trying to calm her down. Serena wasn't quite sure what to do. It was usually Ash that took control in these situations but she knew they couldn't just give up. Don't give up until it's over. "So how are we going after them?" Serena asked. Misty and Tracey looked at Serena, astonished. "We can't, that's it. They got away," Tracey answered sadly. Misty stomped away angry and helpless to do anything. Serena scowled. "Ash wouldn't give up just like that," Serena reminded them. Misty turned on her furiously. "Things are different now Serena!" She yelled. Tracey sensed a fight and stepped up to Misty. "She doesn't know what happened remember," Tracey whispered softly.
Misty took a steadying breath and walked away. Serena was shocked at Misty's behaviour. Ash had told of Misty's hot-headedness but that outburst had been something different. Serena could tell and knew that they weren't telling her something. "Tracey, Did something happen between Misty and Ash?" Serena ventured as they followed Misty back to the lab. Tracey bit his lip and looked like he felt trapped. "No," he replied slowly, knowing what was coming. "Then why did she react like that?" Serena demanded. Tracey knew he had to answer her despite not wanting to explain everything. Luckily for Tracey, he didn't have to. Tracey spotted Mrs Ketchum talking to Misty. Misty was obviously explaining what had happened and Tracey saw the warning signs. He sprinted to her.
"Team… Team Rocket… was here," Delia was saying as she started to hyperventilate. She was having a panic attack. Tracey reached her just as she fainted and managed to catch her. Serena watched Mrs Ketchum collapse and was immediately terrified for her and confused. This was not the way the Mrs Ketchum that gave her sandwiches ten years ago would act. Serena then realised that something had happened. She pieced it together. Something had happened to Ash. Just what she didn't know but she was certain it wasn't good. Tracey carried Mrs Ketchum into the building and placed her in one of the bedrooms there.
Shortly afterwards Serena, Misty and Tracey were sitting in the sitting room. They were silent. No one wanted to have the conversation about what had happened but they all knew that they had to have it sooner or later. Serena cleared her throat. "So, Tracey I asked what happened to Ash," Serena asked softly. Tracey glanced at Misty and took a deep breath and looked back to Serena. "Ten years ago today you and Celebi disappeared. Ash, Professor Oak and everyone was worried about you. They started searching for you, hoping that Celebi would bring you straight back or would only time travel a little into the future. Ash stayed here that night and the next day…" Tracey began. Misty saw that Tracey was finding it difficult to retell their friend's last days. She gave him a meaningful look. She'd tell Serena the rest. "The next day I arrived. I had heard that Ash was home and came to visit. When I got here, Ash, Tracey and Professor Oak told me what had happened. Kurt was busy studying the GS ball. I think he wondered if he would be able to recall Celebi because the normal rules didn't seem to apply to the GS ball. Anyway, Ash wanted to look around the forest next. Celebi like forests and might have taken you there. There was an explosion and Team Rocket stole Pikachu… well then Ash chased after them and… then… there was… an accident. Ash well… he… he was gone," Misty continued, her voice cracking with barely contained emotion towards the end.
There's nothing really to say after that… except
Until the next chapter…